The offseason saga of New York Giants safety Landon Collins continues…much to his chagrin.
The biggest question is whether or not the team will use their franchise tag on him or work out a long-term deal. On Wednesday, the situation took a soap opera like turn.
ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported that Collins cleaned out his locker and said goodbye to teammates and members of the coaching staff. Anderson’s report was immediately refuted by Giants beat writers, some of whom turned their disputes into personal attacks.
Anderson, for her part, stood by what she reported. Collins attempted to diffuse the situation, explaining “the stuff in that locker that I have left I do not need”. Even though he attempted to play down the situation, there may be something more to it.
SNY.tv’s Ralph Vacchiano reports Collins is “frustrated” because the Giants seem to have no intention of re-signing him to a long-term contract. The team and Collins’ representatives have not begun negotiations, increasing the likelihood he will play 2019 under the franchise tag.
Collins previously expressed dissatisfaction over the prospect of playing under the franchise tag. However, he also said he wouldn’t holdout and cause a distraction for the team.
“Would I play on it? I mean, I got no choice to play on it. It’s not a big concern of mine,” Collins said in December. “I know what I’m capable of. I think we’ll work out something before that. If not, franchise it is. Just got to continue proving myself as my worth.
“My hopes are to be here, honestly. That’s my hopes. Like I said from the beginning. I’ve been drafted here. I want to finish my career here. It’s a hope and it’s a dream of mine, and hopefully make it a reality.”
The Giants have until 4:00 PM EST Mar. 5 to designate their franchise or transition players. If Collins is not tagged or a new deal worked out, he will become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins at 4:00 PM EST Mar. 13.
– Curtis Rawls is a Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage and covers the NFL and the New York Giants. Please like and follow on Facebook and Twitter. Curtis can be followed on Twitter @CuRawls203.
